Long Bikes Make Short Work of Congestion
Source: Rob Bushill - The Longbike Centre
News Posted: 27 June 2008
Rob Bushill from the Longbike Centre gives an overview of the blossoming load lugging bike market in the UK. With rising petrol prices, congestion and heightened awareness of sustainable transport, longbikes could be the future for short distance load lugging.
Above: The Yuba can take 200kg of anything, including hay!
It's been a big year for utility bikes. "What are utility bikes?", I hear you ask. Well, they are bikes that are built not just to carry you but also can carry a proper amount of luggage, shopping and perhaps even your family to school. The Xtracycle pioneered the longbike idea 10 years ago and its simple ability to transform your bike into a load carrier still amazes the few enlightened ones who try it.
This year there are two new options on the scene, the Yuba Mundo, a rugged bike that can carry 200kg and the Kona Ute, a lightweight commuter bike with a large luggage capacity. These new additions to the longbike genre mean that there is now a utility bike for everyone.
Is it just chance that the rise of the utility bikes comes at a time when fuel prices are consistently on the up? Some sources quote that 30-40% of car trips are less than two miles in distance so there has never been more of a need for bicycles that can realistically replace the car for those little trips to the shops or to the school.
So what are the options available today, well if you have a daily commute and want a fast lightweight bike with plenty of gears and extra space for your bags or shopping then the Kona Ute at �580 is for you. It's quick and everything you would expect from a big manufacturer, it has a 2 1/2 foot long rear rack and 20mm tubing to hang bags from. It comes with two big square bags as standard and you can buy more from Kona. So a lightweight bike with lots of space on the rear and no real downsides.
The other end of the scale is a fun bike that can carry loads, the Yuba Mundo is basic and sturdy, the rear rack is again 2 1/2 foot long with 20mm tubing. But the great thing about this bike is that you can strap stuff to it easily, heavy boxes can be carried beside the axles and ridden without frame flex. It is the first utility bike that is rated to carry 200kgs, so taking bags of compost to the allotment etc is now possible by bike. With 6 gears and a price tag of a few quid less than �500, it's a great value steed that can be upgraded over time and will probably end up being your best friend. Its friendly versatility makes it a fun ride too.
In longbike circles, the Xtracycle is the original and still the benchmark for everyday luggage carrying, it comprises a frame that you bolt to a 26inch wheeled donor bike of your choice, it just moves the wheel backward and gives you a great luggage rack with long cordura pannier bags to put your shopping bags straight in, add the plywood skate board style rear rack top and its all looks very cool. At �320 it is great way to make your favourite bike into a really adaptable load-carrier.
There are other bikes that you might consider, the Dutch 'bakfiets' or boxbike - looks mad but is natural to control as long as you don't think to much about it. The UK spec bike comes with 8 gears, hub dynamo and roller brakes so it is a quality package. The real benefit is the wheelbarrow sized box on the front that can take kids, the shopping, stuff to the dump, simply anything that you can fit in. priced at �1350 it is a serious bit of kit that will not suit everyone but it has obvious advantages. For carrying kids it's great that you can see them in front of you, a new people carrier.
2008 really is the year that the longbike has come of age. There is now no reason not to have a bike as a second car - to replace the car completely - well perhaps it's a bit early for that, but you know that it makes sense to use the bicycle for those smaller journeys. Its win-win. Your fitness will improve, you'll save money, cut pollution and contribute to the critical mass of cyclists on the road.
For more info and to buy go to: www.thelongbikecentre.com
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